A History of Violence (2005)This movie's theatrical release came on the heels of Viggo Mortensen's successful run in the Lord of the Rings movies and that could be one reason why it was so poorly received, earning just $31 million in domestic box-office--not even enough to cover the estimated $32 million budget. It's too bad, as this is actually a pretty good movie.
Mortensen plays Tom Stall, the proprietor of a small diner in a non-descript midwest farm community. He's happily married with two kids and a quiet life, and then one evening his world goes to hell. Two psychopaths burst into his diner threatening robbery, rape and murder and his reaction surprises everyone, including himself. He dispatches both of them with a fury and quickness that no one can quite believe, becoming a local--then national--hero in the process. The national part gets the attention of some mob tough guys from the East Coast who come to visit him and see him in person. They are convinced he is someone else--someone who exited the mob years ago. Are they right? Watch the movie...
The acting is top-notch in this film, from Mortensen, to Maria Bello playing his wife to Ed Harris and William Hurt playing mob men. The directing is also excellent and a bit surprising. You might remember David Cronenberg from such films as Naked Lunch, The Fly, and Videodrome, but you might be surprised to see that he can so effectively direct a straight-ahead drama with no horror or drug-induced special effects necessary. Very good film and very much worth your rental fee.
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